Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
665. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1515 of 18 January 2023, the additional steps being taken to address significant delays in processing applications by Ukrainian dentists to the Dental Council; if further staff have been provided to deal with this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Council has advised that it is continuing to accept and to process applications from dentists who have been granted either temporary or permanent protection by the State, via a new assessment process that the Council has developed and put in place for such cases.
These complex cases are being managed by experienced registration officers, who continue to assess and manage the information gaps that are arising in many of these applications in a way that is fair while still protecting public safety.
The Dental Council and my Department continue to review the situation, and additional staff will be assigned within the Dental Council should this become necessary.
